Family of 4 slain in Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — A couple and their two children were found dead at their home in Purok 1, Sitio Gapas Gapas, Barangay San Pedro, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur yesterday. 

Capt. Ferdinand Tavares, Cantilan police chief, identified the victims as Rogelio Ravelo Jr., 35, an overseas Filipino worker; his wife Alfonsita, 39, a teacher, and their sons, Rogelio Jr., 9, and CJ, 3. 

Police said Alex Roales, 35, a brother of Alfonsita, allegedly hacked to death the victims while they were sleeping.

Roales, who is said to be suffering from depression, was arrested in a follow-up operation.

Probers are eyeing a land dispute as the motive for the killing.

The suspect is being held at a police lockup pending the filing of charges against him.